Dismantling Anti-Black Racism in Newmarket
The Town of Newmarket is committed to dismantling anti-Black racism in our community. Council, staff and community partners are together, taking action to work through an implementation plan with key deliverables to be met over the coming years. The deliverables outlined in the plan will help dismantle anti-Black racism and remove barriers that Black individuals face in Newmarket.
As part of the implementation plan, a DABR Advisory Committee will be established, which will be an external body composed of members who will provide input and support the Town in delivering items from the Implementation Plan.
Topline steps taken:
- In 2021, the Town of Newmarket's Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Task Force laid out recommendations for the Town and the wider community to take to dismantle racism and barriers Black residents face in Newmarket.
- In late 2022, the Town worked with consultants, EMPOWER Strategy Group which engaged residents, staff and stakeholders to develop a multi-year action plan.
- In March 2023, a staff implementation plan was endorsed by Council
- The Town is in the process of recruiting its first Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Specialist to lead the work which is already underway.
- NEW! The Town hired its first Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Specialist to lead the work which is already underway and has appointed the DABR Advisory Committee, an external body to provide input and support the Town in delivering on the implementation plan. Read more about these updates ⬇️
The Town of Newmarket is committed to dismantling anti-Black racism in our community. Council, staff and community partners are together, taking action to work through an implementation plan with key deliverables to be met over the coming years. The deliverables outlined in the plan will help dismantle anti-Black racism and remove barriers that Black individuals face in Newmarket.
As part of the implementation plan, a DABR Advisory Committee will be established, which will be an external body composed of members who will provide input and support the Town in delivering items from the Implementation Plan.
Topline steps taken:
- In 2021, the Town of Newmarket's Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Task Force laid out recommendations for the Town and the wider community to take to dismantle racism and barriers Black residents face in Newmarket.
- In late 2022, the Town worked with consultants, EMPOWER Strategy Group which engaged residents, staff and stakeholders to develop a multi-year action plan.
- In March 2023, a staff implementation plan was endorsed by Council
- The Town is in the process of recruiting its first Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Specialist to lead the work which is already underway.
- NEW! The Town hired its first Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Specialist to lead the work which is already underway and has appointed the DABR Advisory Committee, an external body to provide input and support the Town in delivering on the implementation plan. Read more about these updates ⬇️
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Introducing the members of the Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee
Share Introducing the members of the Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee on Facebook Share Introducing the members of the Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee on Twitter Share Introducing the members of the Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee on Linkedin Email Introducing the members of the Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee linkThe Town of Newmarket is pleased to introduce the members of the newly formed Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee:
- Mark Holmes
- Nadia Hansen
- Bolanle Ajiboye
- Jerimiah Leslie Serieux:
- Zana Palomino
- Maxine Palomino
- Simone McKenzie
- Claudine Gayle
- Chair of Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association, Jerisha Grant Hall
Following a community recruitment and application process, members were appointed by the Selection Committee which consisted of three members of the Black Community, with one position held by the Chair of the Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA).
The Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee is a foundational role in supporting Town staff and Council in taking action to dismantle anti-Black racism in Newmarket.
Over the two-year term, members will share their diversity of perspectives to help strengthen the Town’s connection to Black communities, provide input and support to the Town on addressing anti-Black racism and work with the Town to provide joint progress reports to Council on the Town of Newmarket’s progress in dismantling and eliminating Anti-Black Racism.
Thank you to the new committee members for taking on this important role in the community!
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Town welcomes first Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Specialist
Share Town welcomes first Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Specialist on Facebook Share Town welcomes first Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Specialist on Twitter Share Town welcomes first Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Specialist on Linkedin Email Town welcomes first Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Specialist linkThis spring, the Town welcomed its first Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Specialist to the team.
Marsaydees has experience in leading transformative change and dismantling barriers by implementing systemic equity initiatives and facilitating education programs on EDI, anti-racism, and historical related themes.
This new specialist position is another foundational role in the DABR implementation plan. Marsaydees will lead the implementation of the Town’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Plan and Dismantling Anti-Black Racism (DABR) Implementation Plan to ensure our employee programs and practices, from recruitment and selection to performance reviews and promotions, are equitable and inclusive.
Welcome to the team!
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Central York Fire Services Career Day in partnership with Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA)
Share Central York Fire Services Career Day in partnership with Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA) on Facebook Share Central York Fire Services Career Day in partnership with Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA) on Twitter Share Central York Fire Services Career Day in partnership with Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA) on Linkedin Email Central York Fire Services Career Day in partnership with Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA) linkCentral York Fire Services, the department which serves Newmarket and Aurora residents has partnered with the Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA) for its first Career Day to provide information, expert resources and create connections for those considering exploring a career in fire services.
On Saturday, October 21 the full-day information session offers parents, students or those considering a career shift to fire services an opportunity to meet people in the industry, learn about the various roles in fire services and discover training options and career paths.
Registration is required as space is limited. Click to register today!
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Implementation of Action Plan to Dismantle Anti-Black Racism begins
Share Implementation of Action Plan to Dismantle Anti-Black Racism begins on Facebook Share Implementation of Action Plan to Dismantle Anti-Black Racism begins on Twitter Share Implementation of Action Plan to Dismantle Anti-Black Racism begins on Linkedin Email Implementation of Action Plan to Dismantle Anti-Black Racism begins linkTown staff finalized a work plan to implement the Action Plan to Dismantle Anti-Black Racism (DABR) spanning the next two years. The plan outlines deliverables for the Town to take to dismantle anti-Black racism and remove barriers Black individuals face in Newmarket.
In January, EMPOWER Strategy Group presented a multi-year action plan to dismantle Anti-Black Racism in the community. The action plan stems from a report by the Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Task Force (Task Force) that was delivered to Council in December 2021.
As part of the implementation plan, a DABR Advisory Committee will be established, which will be an external body composed of members who will provide input and support the Town in delivering items from the Action Plan.
The Town recognizes and thanks the members of the volunteer Task Force for dedicating countless hours to research, critical conversations, and significant community engagement.
Read the Staff Report to learn more about the implementation plan.
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EMPOWER Strategy Group hosting Town Hall November 3
Share EMPOWER Strategy Group hosting Town Hall November 3 on Facebook Share EMPOWER Strategy Group hosting Town Hall November 3 on Twitter Share EMPOWER Strategy Group hosting Town Hall November 3 on Linkedin Email EMPOWER Strategy Group hosting Town Hall November 3 linkThere’s still time to get involved! EMpower Strategy Group is hosting a Town Hall for the Black community to provide feedback on the draft plan to dismantle Anti-Black Racism.
Date: Thursday, November 3
Time: 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: In person at Newmarket Community Centre and Lions Hall (200 Doug Duncan Drive) or online by registering in advance at https://bit.ly/3VY3NPH
RSVP: empowerstrategygroup2@gmail.com -
EMPOWER Strategy Group seeks public input on dismantling Anti-Black Racism action plan
Share EMPOWER Strategy Group seeks public input on dismantling Anti-Black Racism action plan on Facebook Share EMPOWER Strategy Group seeks public input on dismantling Anti-Black Racism action plan on Twitter Share EMPOWER Strategy Group seeks public input on dismantling Anti-Black Racism action plan on Linkedin Email EMPOWER Strategy Group seeks public input on dismantling Anti-Black Racism action plan linkThe Town of Newmarket contracted EMPOWER Strategy Group to dialogue with community partners, including the Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA), in order to support the Town’s efforts to dismantle Anti-Black Racism. EMPOWER Strategy Group has created their draft action plan and invites the community and stakeholders to review and provide feedback by November 7. Participants can enter into a draw to win gift certificates from local Black-owned businesses by sharing feedback in a survey.
“I want Newmarket to be a place where everyone is welcome and where everyone’s contributions are valued,” says Newmarket Mayor John Taylor. “The work that the Town is doing to dismantle Anti-Black Racism is about making Newmarket more equitable and inclusive. We recognize that there is still a lot of work to do to dismantle Anti-Black Racism. We are committed to continuing to work with NACCA, our partner and the community to take real action and achieve tangible results.”
Community and stakeholder engagement will continue to help shape the draft action plan and further define priorities. Following consultation, a staff report will go to Council for consideration. The Town will conduct an annual review to monitor progress.
The action plan stems from the report by the Town’s Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Task Force (Task Force). The Task Force works to amplify voices from the Black community and is responsible for making recommendations to Council that focus on racial equity opportunities, and on issues or activities that impact the Black community. It is with immense gratitude that the Town recognizes members of the Task Force who volunteer their time and helped to launch this significant work.
The Town would also like to thank NACCA for driving the conversation and helping find solutions to dismantle Anti-Black Racism.
Complete this survey to provide comments and feedback.
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Newmarket continues to take action towards dismantling Anti-Black Racism in the community
Share Newmarket continues to take action towards dismantling Anti-Black Racism in the community on Facebook Share Newmarket continues to take action towards dismantling Anti-Black Racism in the community on Twitter Share Newmarket continues to take action towards dismantling Anti-Black Racism in the community on Linkedin Email Newmarket continues to take action towards dismantling Anti-Black Racism in the community linkThis summer, the Town of Newmarket is working with EMPOWER Strategy Group to create a multi-year action plan stemming from the report by the Town’s Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Task Force (Task Force). The community-led Task Force was headed by Jerisha Grant-Hall, the Chair of the Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA).
The Town recognizes and thanks the members of the volunteer task force for dedicating countless hours to research, critical conversations and significant community engagement that culminated in the over 100 recommendations presented to Council. Through EMPOWER Strategy Group, the Town is re-engaging the Black community to have a voice in the Action Plan that will guide the Town in dismantling Anti-Black Racism.
“As a Town, we must commit to acting against Anti-Black Racism to ensure that all people in our community feel welcome and safe,” says Newmarket Mayor John Taylor. “Newmarket should strive to be one of the most inclusive communities in Canada, but that will not happen without hard work and action – this work is an important step on that journey.”
To assist the Town in taking positive steps towards creating a more equitable, diverse and inclusive community, the consulting team will be working closely with the Black community, Town staff and various stakeholders to ensure all voices are heard.
"I am pleased to collaborate with the Black community and the Town of Newmarket in developing a comprehensive action plan to dismantle Anti-Black Racism in the town,” says Evelyn Myrie, CEO and Founder, EMPOWER Strategy Group. “My team is working with the Town's departments, partner agencies and institutions and Black residents of Newmarket to draft the plan. The multi-year plan will seek to make Newmarket a place where people feel they belong."
On behalf of the Town, EMPOWER Strategy Group will facilitate a virtual Town Hall on August 4 (6:30 – 8:30 p.m.) and an in-person Town Hall meeting on August 8 (6:30 – 8:30 p.m.) at the Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA) Community Centre (449 Eagle St.). Residents in the Black community are encouraged to join the Town Hall events to provide their input into the proposed Action Plan. For those interested in participating, please go to heynewmarket.ca/dabr for complete details and to RSVP.
The Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Task Force was created in 2020 to support the Town’s existing work in this area, amplify voices from the Black community, make recommendations on racial equity opportunities in Newmarket and address issues and activities that impact the Black community. In December 2021, the Task Force presented a report to Newmarket Council, including over 100 recommendations.
The Action Plan is expected to be presented to Newmarket Council in September and will include suggested approaches to close identified gaps, barriers, and threats to equity, diversity and inclusion so the Town can work towards dismantling Anti-Black Racism.
For further information and ways to get involved, please visit heynewmarket.ca/dabr or contact empowerstrategygroup2@gmail.com.
Key Dates
Thank you to our Task Force
The Town recognizes and thanks the members of the volunteer Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Task Force for dedicating countless hours to research, critical conversations and significant community engagement that culminated in the over 100 recommendations presented to Council in December 2021.